Readings for the Feast of Saints Nereus and Achilleus

Readings for the Feast of Sts. Nereus and Achilleus
Martyrs
May 12

Entrance Song
These are the saints who were victorious in the blood of the Lamb, and in the face of death they did not cling to life: therefore they reign with Christ for ever, alleluia.

Opening Prayer:

Father,
we honor Saints Nereus and Achilleus for their courage
in dying to profess their faith in Christ.
May we experience the help of their prayers
at the throne of your mercy.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.

First Reading
Revelation 19:1,5-9a

I, John, heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. And from the throne came a voice crying, "Praise our God, all you hisservants, you who fear Him, small and great." Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and hisBride has made herself ready; it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

Psalm Response:
In you, Lord, I have found my peace - Psalm 131

Gospel Reading
Matthew 10:17-22

Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS

Lord,
fill these gifts with the blessing of your Holy Spirit
and fill our hearts with the love
which gave victory to Saints Nereus and Achilleus
in dying for the faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon:
If we die with Christ, we shall live with him, and if we are faithful to the end, we shall reign with him, alleluia.- 2 Tm 2:11-12

Prayer after Communion

Lord,
we are renewed by the breaking of one bread
in honor of the martyrs Nereus and Achilleus
Keep us in your love
and help us to live the new life Christ won for us.
Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord

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